China hosts largest ever SCO summit as South Caucasus draws attention
The 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit began in Tianjin on 31 August, marking the largest gathering in the bloc’s history, with China dee...
Panama City, Panama, February 18, 2025 – Vessel traffic through the Panama Canal rebounded significantly in January, with data showing an almost 50% year-on-year increase.
Eased weather conditions and improved draught levels have contributed to a recovery in transits, as 632 commercial vessels passed through the strategic waterway daily, bringing the total to 9,377 for January 2024-25.
The recovery was marked by notable increases across several vessel categories. Container ship traffic rose 15%, while liquid bulk cargo vessels increased by 50% to 221 transits. Dry breakbulk cargo shipments saw a surge of 205%, reaching 162 transits. In contrast, LNG traffic declined slightly by 2%, with 11 LNG ships recorded—a downturn linked to shifting energy supply patterns following Europe’s pivot toward US LNG amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Despite these gains, overall vessel traffic remains below the 2019–2022 average, as the canal continues to navigate challenges posed by climate-related fluctuations in water levels.
The canal, which serves as a vital link between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and ranks as the world’s second largest trade route with over 10,000 annual transits, remains predominantly used by the United States, accounting for 52% of ship traffic. Other major users include China - handling roughly a quarter of US cargo - along with Chile, Japan, and South Korea.
In a separate development, former US President Donald Trump made headlines by suggesting that the United States might consider reclaiming control of the canal. During a press conference, Trump remarked, “We didn’t give it to China. We gave it to Panama, and Panama has been ripping down all the Chinese language signs,” adding that the US should take action. His comments come amid broader discussions about Chinese influence in global trade routes, although the Panama Canal has been under Panamanian control since 1999 following a series of agreements that transferred US operational rights over the years.
Originally constructed under the Roosevelt administration and operated by the United States until a joint management arrangement began in 1977, the canal was fully handed over to Panama in 1999. Trump’s remarks have sparked controversy, as the canal’s governance and sovereignty are well established under Panamanian law.
As the canal’s vessel traffic continues to recover, analysts note that while weather-related challenges are easing, the long-term impact of climate change on canal operations remains a key concern for global trade stakeholders.
A powerful eruption at Japan’s Shinmoedake volcano sent an ash plume more than 3,000 metres high on Sunday morning, prompting safety warnings from authorities.
According to the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ), a magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck the Oaxaca region of Mexico on Saturday.
The UK is gearing up for Exercise Pegasus 2025, its largest pandemic readiness test since COVID-19. Running from September to November, this full-scale simulation will challenge the country's response to a fast-moving respiratory outbreak.
A Polish Air Force pilot was killed on Thursday when an F-16 fighter jet crashed during a training flight ahead of the 2025 Radom International Air Show.
Malaysia marked its 68th National Day on Sunday with a vibrant parade in Putrajaya attended by over 14,000 participants and the country’s top leadership.
Norway will purchase a fleet of British-built frigates to reinforce its naval strength, the government confirmed on Sunday. The move marks a decisive step in what is expected to be the country’s largest-ever military procurement and a significant boost to NATO’s northern maritime defences.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on Saturday cancelled a planned visit to China as nationwide protests spread beyond Jakarta, with several regional parliament buildings set on fire.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 31th of August, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in the northern Chinese port city of Tianjin on Sunday for a regional security summit, Chinese and Russian state media reported.
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